By Emily Christianson, Todd Martens, Denise Martin and Jevon Phillips, Los Angeles Times Staff
Audiences were first introduced to the “Fame” kids at New York’s High School of Performing Arts nearly 30 years ago, when the film hit theaters and launched a phenomenon. The film -- about teens immersed in the love, camaraderie, pressure and competition of the performance world -- brought about a TV spinoff, stage production and now a new remake.
“Fame” was the launching pad for many a young Hollywood actor, but where are they now? Let’s take a look back at some of the franchise’s most notable players. (Getty Images / Associated Press)
Where she is now: Peeples was recently a cast member of “The Young and the Restless,” and has had bit parts in several movies throughout the years, most notably “Half Past Dead,” “The Coven,” and “Between Heaven and Earth.” (Robert Mora / Getty Images)
Character name: Cleo Hewitt (TV)
Where she is now: Jackson hasn’t strayed far from the biz since her “Fame” days in the ‘80s. The “Rhythm Nation” album, a role in “Nutty Professor II,” the Super Bowl nipple scandal and the death of her brother Michael are just a few of Jackson’s highs and lows. Next, she will star in “Why Did I Get Married Too” -- a follow up to her 2007 Tyler Perry movie “Why Did I Get Married?” There’s more music on the horizon too, with her latest compilation album “Number 1s” hitting store shelves in November. (Christopher Polk / Getty Images)